We’ve all felt the effects of a few too many meals gone sideways. The week always starts well as you prep your overnight oats and pack healthy dinner leftovers for lunch. But then, a day goes by, and suddenly you are consumed by your sweet tooth, which prompts you to grab a cookie and a can of diet soda. What ensues is several meals consisting of a side salad, but with pizza or take-out - it’s just too hard sometimes to stay on track. 

But, what if you could get as many nutrients as possible packed into food that was actually delicious and good for you? Do you think you would eat it? Well, you most definitely should. There are tons of healthy options out there, specifically termed ‘superfoods’, that give you more bang for your buck. The whole point is, you won’t have to be tempted by junk, because these foods are unique and delicious. You can pair them in various combinations, and the more you stock your shelves and fridge, the more tempted you will be to eat healthily. Believe us, we’ve been there and done that!

Today we will explore some affordable and delicious superfood options that you certainly won’t be able to resist.

First things first, what exactly is a superfood? According to cnet.com, a superfood is a nutrient-dense whole food. It is real food that is unprocessed and comes in its original form. Plus, superfoods:

- Are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients

- Are high in antioxidants

- May help to reduce the risk of certain diseases and health conditions

Here are some of our favourite superfoods and their benefits:

Almonds are great for heart health. In fact, they help to lower bad cholesterol. They are also jam-packed with magnesium, potassium and vitamin E. Eating 8-10 almonds a day goes a long way in adding valuable nutrients to your daily diet. Shop almonds here.

Apples are supposed to keep the doctor away, and this may indeed be true. They contain a ton of fibre and antioxidants that help reverse the signs of ageing. Moreover, as the world’s most popular fruit, they make the perfect healthy snack as they are filling and low in calories. So, skip the bag of chips and bite on an apple instead! Shop apples here.

Berries may be keeping your brain healthy, and it doesn’t matter which berry you are enjoying. From blueberries to strawberries to huckleberries, every edible version is loaded with nutrients that help ward off cancer-causing free radicals. So, get to know the small, pulpy, juicy fruit; your mind and body will thank you. Shop berries here.

Coconut oil is touted for its many benefits. It’s high in a type of fat called MCTs that your body metabolizes differently, helping to boost heart health, encourage fat burning, and raising good cholesterol. Best of all, you can still enjoy baking now and then by substituting the fat ingredient with coconut oil! Shop coconut oil here.

Turmeric is that yellow spice you are probably familiar with often used to flavour or colour curry dishes. Well, it’s not only a beautifully coloured spice; it can help fight inflammation and keep your blood sugar levels steady – all due to its most active compound, curcumin. So, skip the sugary mocha latte and try a golden latte made with turmeric instead. Shop turmeric here.

Honey is not only delicious, it has many health benefits too. As a fantastic sugar replacement, honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants, and it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, not only can you enjoy a drop or two in your tea, you can apply it to help heal wounds too. Shop honey here.

Quinoa has gained quite some popularity due to its goodness as well. Did you know it contains twice as much protein and over 5 g more fibre than white rice? Plus, it has fewer calories and carbohydrates. If you’re still eating white rice, try substituting it for quinoa, and you will surely see a difference in your waistline. This is all due to quinoa’s ability to improve blood sugar levels. So, don’t ignore this ‘supergrain’; it comes highly recommended with good reason. Shop quinoa here.

So, before you give up (or should we say give in) on your diet, know that you can easily retrace your steps using superfoods to light your way. Little by little, you can replace certain ingredients with healthier ones and experiment with new recipes that use some of the superfoods we mentioned above. It’s a small starter list; to explore many more options, visit our website today!